This photograph is a nice example of the Natural Form style of dress. It fell between the first and second bustle periods, and tended to emphasize a long, narrow silhouette. Even the hat gets in on the action by helping to elevate the eye of the viewer. This style was most common between 1877-1882, after which the bustle came back bigger and better.
Wow. That’s a style that I am glad went away. Busy and ugly!
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